John Carlson Achieves Three Assists in Capitals' Victory

John Carlson recorded three assists, two penalty minutes, and a plus-4 rating in the Washington Capitals' 7-4 win over the Oilers on Wednesday. He surpassed the 50-point mark for the sixth time in his career in 2023-24, with 10 goals and 42 assists in 82 regular-season games. Carlson scored only one goal in his first 35 games but finished the season strong with nine tallies and 33 points in 47 outings. Despite some power-play struggles, he had 21 power-play points and registered 176 shots on goal, 194 blocked shots, and 69 hits. The 34-year-old defenseman is expected to see improved offensive numbers following Washington's retooling. A skull fracture from a shot block sidelined him from December to March, during which he had 21 points in 30 games before returning with eight points in 10 outings. Carlson, who has not been prone to frequent injuries, is expected to help stabilize the Capitals' defense. He is projected to be a 60-70 point player this year, quarterbacking the top power-play unit and contributing in blocked shots. Due to missed time, he could be a value pick in fantasy drafts. Carlson has consistently provided high-floor, high-ceiling fantasy production, reaching at least 70 points in three of the past four seasons. His 17 goals last year were a career high, and he has posted at least 25 power-play points in five of the last six seasons. Despite turning 33 in January, he is expected to remain productive, health permitting, given his significant power-play ice time. Carlson is considered a legitimate No. 1 fantasy defenseman for 2022-23. He ranked fifth among NHL defensemen in points (44) and goals (10) in 2020-21 and is a top fantasy option on the blue line, averaging 0.91 points per game over the past four seasons with double-digit goals in each of them. Carlson is not overly reliant on the power play, with 29 even-strength points in 2020-21. He is expected to be one of the first defensemen selected in fantasy drafts for 2021-22. Last season, he led all defensemen with 60 assists and 75 points in 69 games, adding 189 shots, 26 power-play points, and 108 hits, solidifying his status as a premier fantasy defenseman. While repeating his near record-breaking 2019-20 performance is unlikely, double-digit goals and around 70 points over a full season are the norm, and this is expected to continue into his age-30 season in 2020-21. He was considered a top-three fantasy option at his position. His eight-year, $64 million extension after Washington's Stanley Cup win was justified by his 2018-19 performance, where he recorded 13 goals and reached 70 points for the first time. With heavy minutes and power-play time, Carlson is a top-tier fantasy defenseman. He set career highs in goals (15), assists (53), and points (68) in 82 games in 2017-18, and continued his strong play in the playoffs with five goals and 20 points in 24 contests. He signed an eight-year, $64 million extension, and is expected to be a key contributor, quarterbacking an elite power-play. His fantasy value remains considerable. He missed 36 games over the previous two seasons and saw his scoring rate drop, making him a curious fantasy valuation for 2017-18. His puck-moving ability is elite, and he shoots frequently, benefiting from playing with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom on the power play. At 27, he was expected to have plenty of good hockey left and was entering the final season of his contract, looking to earn a big paycheck. After a breakout two years prior, expectations were high, and he delivered when healthy, with his points per game ticking up slightly despite missing 26 games due to injury. With a full offseason to recover and a prime role feeding talented forwards, he was expected to resume his place among fantasy hockey's most valuable defenders. Carlson's 55 points and 200 hits in the previous season were impressive, especially considering he played tough minutes against opponents' best players and often started in the defensive zone. With Mike Green's departure, more offensive opportunities were expected, potentially reaching 60 points. He was considered a Norris Trophy candidate and a strong fantasy draft pick. Despite the acquisition of other defensemen, Carlson was expected to be a driving force on the blue line. His increased role and time on the top power-play unit led to him averaging 24:30 of ice time per game. He was expected to maintain his offensive production even with a potentially more defensive role under a new coach. Given competition for minutes, there was some bust potential, but he was still expected to be drafted highly. He earned 22 points in 48 games in the 2013-2014 season, on pace for 40 points, close to his 37 points in 2010-2011. He was a good source for assists and shots. He tied for eighth among defensemen in goals (9) and 19th in points (32) the previous season. He played 82 games in each of the last two seasons, averaging over 21 minutes. He had cracked 30 points in his first two full NHL seasons and was expected to develop further, shouldering the offensive load. Projections were for just under 10 goals, low 20s in assists, and mid-30s in points. Drafted in 2008, he made the NHL two years later and was considered the next best thing to Mike Green. He was physical and had a partner who could cover for him. He posted 37 points in his first year and had the potential for 60-plus. He was considered a good blue line option. Carlson possesses the size, strength, and skating ability to be a talented defenseman, playing responsibly in his own end. He showed flashes of being a top defensive scorer and was expected to play a significant role, potentially becoming a breakout fantasy producer. He is responsible defensively, plays smart hockey, is good on the penalty kill, and is fast and agile. He has emerged as a strong offensive-defenseman. He gave up his commitment to the University of Massachusetts for the OHL's London Knights. He was not considered as talented as other 2008 draft defenders but was expected to play in the NHL within five years. He appeared in 22 games (1G, 5A, +11) for the Capitals and gained trust, starting all seven playoff contests where he posted a goal, three assists, and a plus-six rating, providing invaluable experience.